JC International academy owner blast: The future of Nigeria National team begins with imparting Grassroots coaches as the 2nd Edition of JC coaching Clinic holds in Ogun state

The need to engage grassroots coaches in training, seminars and clinics on the trend of modern day coaching has once again been brought to the fore as a veritable tool for developing Football at the grassroots level.

The needs were highlighted by the Chairman, JC International Football Academy, United States based Dr. Joseph Ogunsanya on Saturday 27th of July,2019 at the second edition of the JC coaching clinic in Papalanto, Ewekoro Local Government, Ogun State.

Coaches at the coaching clinic

Dr Ogunsaya who confirmed that the future of any country’s national team begins with imparting knowledge in the grassroots coaches appreciated his Wife for her continuous support since the dream started.

Dr Ogunsaya while reacting to questions from the media as regards his reasons for putting a lot of money, time and resources into the event said “ basically the future of Every country national team is based on the amount of coaching that is received at the grassroots ". 

The football administrator also on how he fell in love academy football and model he has in shagamu

'Long time ago, I took a US team to Sweden to play, I fell in love with what I saw in Sweden, kids were camped in a hostel, a very big pitch was in use, and then I decided that I will come up with something like that later in future, that’s the Genesis of the JC International Football Academy”.

“The Second aspect is the coaching clinic, which is strictly for the grassroot coaches, it is the second edition because I knew I need to give something back to Nigeria”.

Meanwhile one of the Clinic instructors, Head Coach of MFM FC Fidelis Ilechukwu was full of praises for the organizers, he said he was stunned to know that a gargantuan edifice for sports development was erected in that area.

On the Coaches clinic proper, Fidelis Ilechukwu said “We learn everyday, this is quite huge and massive, I must commend the organizer for the opportunity given, I initially wanted to attend as a classroom student because I believe no knowledge is lost, but then, I learnt a lot as an instructor too”.

“I am quite optimistic that the grassroot coaches have learnt a whole lot, I urge all of them to be patient and take life as it comes”.

Also in attendance were the head coach and assistant coach of Gateway United, Hakeem Busari and Shakiru Lawal and the Chairman Ogun State Football Coaches Association, Mr Olaseinde Bankole among other Football Coaches.

Hakeem Busari also heaped praises on the organizers, adding that “This clinic should come up at least twice a year, it beats my imagination and we have all learnt one thing or the other which will help us going forward”.

After the clinic proper, there was a novelty match between the coaches and players of JC International Academy which ended 1-1 at full time.

2019 NWFL Week one Review: Bayelsa whiplash Kaduna in NWPL clash as Abia, Edo, others record wins

Nigerian champions, Bayelsa Queens recorded the highest win on matchday 1 of the 2019 Nigeria Women Premier League (NWPL) which kicked off across eight centres and the four groups on Wednesday, July 24.

The Restoration Girls pummelled visitors, Kaduna Queens 3-0 at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.

Rafiat Sule scored the match opener for the Yenagoa side in the 8th minute, Joy Bokiri takes the goal tally to two in the 30th minute while Mary Anjor grabbed the winner in the 67th minute to hand the side the whole three points at stake. Sule’s eight minutes goal went down in history as the fastest goal on matchday 1 of the new league season.

Edo queens vs Dreamstars 

Elsewhere, it was not a dreamed start for the top-flight newcomers, Dream Stars Ladies as they were piped 0-1 by visiting side, Edo Queens at the Agege Stadium in Lagos. Grace Henry lone strike proved decisive to hand the Benin City amazons the league opener’s first away victory and the three points in their kitty. The presence of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) chairperson, Aisha Falode and other dignitaries did nothing to help the course of the Lagos side to get even against highly inspired and motivated Benin City side.

Confluence Queens made their home turf counts positively with two unanswered goals against visiting side, Ibom Angels at the Confluence Stadium in Lokoja. Coach Whyte Ogbonda ensured his former side went back home empty-handed to Uyo.

Kemi Famuditi scored from the penalty spot in the 29th minute to give her side the lead while Joy Michael scored the assurance goal and winner in the 57th minute.

Abia Angels defeated hard fighting first timers, Invincible Angels 2-1 in Umuahia. The Umuahia side led after eleven minutes through Grace Marcus while the Gboko side achieved parity in the 22nd minute through Favour Dagogo. Nwamaka Nneneme missed a golden opportunity to up the side goal tally from the penalty spot but Marcus rose to the occasion to make up for the loss with her second goal in the 68th minute.

Super Falcons coach Thomas dennerby enjoying the matches at one of the centre

Rivers Angels sweated to their panties to snatch a goal victory against tough side, FC Robo Queens at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt.

Nigerian captain, Evelyn Nwabuoku grabbed the much sought after goal from the penalty spot in the first half stoppage time to hand the Jewels of Rivers the whole three points in the hotly contested encounter.

Osun Babes shared the spoils goalless with visiting side, Delta Queens at the Osogbo Township Stadium.

Sunshine Queens held former champions, Nasarawa Amazons to a barren draw at the Akure Township Stadium.

Heartland Queens, too were unable to displaced visitors, Adamawa Queens as the encounter ended barren at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.

NWPL matchday 1 results:

Dream Stars Ladies 0-1 Edo Queens

Osun Babes 0-0 Delta Queens

Bayelsa Queens 3-0 Kaduna Queens

Confluence Queens 2-0 Ibom Angels

Abia Angels 2-1 Invincible Angels

Rivers Angels 1-0 FC Robo Queens

Sunshine Queens 0-0 Nasarawa Amazons

Heartland Queens 0-0 Adamawa Queens.

2019HiFL : OAU,UI headline Round of 16 as hostilities return across four campuses

The 2019 Higher Institution Football League returns on Wednesday with  four mouth watering fixtures in the Round of 16 across four centres in the country .

Perhaps the biggest of them all is the much anticipated heavy weight clash between Obafemi Awolowo University ile ife football team otherwise known as the OAU giants and the University of Ibadan also known as the UI Pioneers as the exciting Higher Institution Football League, HIFL, enters week 6.

The rivalry between the  students and graduates of both schools is legendary, at every opportunity either in pubs,libraries, workplace social gathering, the debate is always about one topic.. my school is better than yours.

With pride and Ego at stake and ultimately a quarter final ticket on the table this match ticks all the boxes of a perfect matchup.

This is an opportunity for both schools to extend and proof their superiority over one another once again,as the case may be.

There will be emotions ,passions, ultimately there will undue flow of adrenaline as both sides will  battle like a prince returning from an exile, and forcefully gunning for the throne of his ancestors. 

The turf of the OAU sports complex will suffer because high level of dexterity of skills is expected to be displayed by both teams as they compete for honours. 

OAU giants are coming into the game as favourite having made last year's super 4 in Lagos,they were drawn by in the group stage hence they will be playing their first game of the season.

Playing in front of their vociferous supporters will surely boost their confidence to go all the way and the giants from ife are set to trample on the Pioneers when they show up on Wednesday.

Though UI Pioneers struggled to make it out of their group but they did enough to outscored the dreaded LASU team,the propeller which took them to the round of 16,the game no doubt lift their spirits and will surely increase them in believe that they can face any opposition in their bid to be crowned the 2019 champion.

The fact that the Pioneers played in the group stage will surely give them some edge,mistakes would have been corrected and strategy will would have perfected.

 

The die is cast, we surely  have more than a match on our hands its  battle for the kings ,a battle royal indeed.

In the  Other fixtures, the LASU Blazers will host the FUTA tigers at the ojo campus of the Eko for show team having qualified on top of their group at the Ibadan centre the lasuites are dangerously poised to blast past the tigers from Akure.

Uniben Royals have a great first round performance and they will be high in confidence to face the FUTMINNA Transformers, another side that are not push overs when it comes to inter collegiate football in the country.

While it's going to be Royal rumble in Ilorin the Uniilorin warriors will take on Federal University of Oye Ekiti football team ,better known as FUOYE dazzlers.

The winner of these match over two legs  will proceed to the quarter finals competition as the return leg will take place in a fortnight. 

The HIFL is organised by Pace sports and marketing and proudly sponsored by Stanbic IBTC,premier cool and Indomie

Ann Chiejine upbeat as Abia Angel's takes on tricky invincible Angles

Abia Angels head coach, Ann Agumanu-Chiejine has said her side are quite ready for the testy and tricky season’s opener against newcomers, Invincible Angels.

The Umuahia side will confront debutants from Makurdi in Wednesday’s Nigeria Women Premier League (NWPL) Group D matchday 1 clash at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

The 2018/19 NWPL abridged season is due to commence on Wednesday at the various centres among the four groups.

Agumanu-Chiejine said though her side lost substantial number of players to competitors in the out gone season the rookies are damn ready to give the top-flight campaign the necessary push it deserves.

“Abia Angels are ready for the 2018/19 NWPL season as well as the starter against newcomers, Invincible Angels on Wednesday in Umuahia.

“However, worthy of note is the fact that we lost 19 key players to our rivals at the end of last season.

“We will be parading bunch of greenhorns and unknown players in the premier league though we are determined to make them known prior to the end of the season.

“I always believe that what make a coach worth his/her onion is ability to bring unknown players to limelight and stardom.

“We combed the length and breadth of the grassroots and villages to shop for rookies who will be debuting in the premier league for the first time.

“They are hungry for action and we are well primed to make them superstars at the end of the league campaign.

“Their first test is the clash against Invincible Angels and they have promised to start the campaign on a winning note,” said the former Nigerian shot stopper.

Agumanu-Chiejine insisted that her side will make amend this time around the side near miss of the Super 4 cut last season.

“Abia Angels narrowly missed the Super 4 spot in the out gone season, it’s still our target to play in the Super 4 this time around.

“I pray the players will play strictly to instruction throughout the season’s campaign to be able to top their group to earn the slot,” said the former Nigerian assistant coach.

Abia Angels will campaign for the prime position in Group D together with newcomers and matchday 1 opponents, Invincible Angels, Confluence Queens and Ibom Angels.

NWPL matchday 1 fixtures:

Rivers Angels Vs. FC Robo Queens

Osun Babes Vs. Delta Queens

Dreamstars Ladies Vs. Edo Queens

Heartland Queens Vs. Adamawa Queens

Bayelsa Queens Vs. Kaduna Queens

Sunshine Queens Vs. Nasarawa Amazons

Confluence  Queen Vs. Ibom Angels

Abia Angels Vs. Invincible Angels

JC coaching Clinic to hold on Saturday as Fidelis Ilechukwu confirmed participation

Olympic Eagles assistant coach and MFM FC of Lagos gaffer, Fidelis Ilechukwu will grace this year' JC Coaching Clinic as guest coach,the organiser of the annual coaching clinic program have confirmed.

The MFM gaffer will share some of his success stories with some grassroot coaches that will be attending this year's JC Coaching Clinic.

According to Dr. Joseph Ogunsanya,

Chairman of JC International Football Academy and the coaching  Programme Coordinator 

 "Based on his experience from Grassroot to the level he is at the moment, he will be giving time to impact his skills on coaches that are attending the clinic."

Camara as the MFM's coach is fondly called is delighted to part of the coaching course billed for Last Saturday in July at the JC international stadium along papalanto/shagmu Road.

 "I'm delighted to be part of the JC Coaching Clinic, I like new challenges and been busy all the time. That the  Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) is in it off-season shouldn't mean one can learn a new thing.

"Not minding my A-list Coach status, am ready to learn from any coach as football gives back to one, what he/she has given to it.

"Coaching is symbiotic as we learn new things in the beautiful game, and new things happen everyday.

"The new things could be training methods, playing, marking patterns, attack and defence formats, scoring and defending set-pieces."

The program will be facilitated by coach Akeem Busari and Coach Olaseinde Bankole and it will feature Basic Coaching, coaching methodology, professionalism, care and prevention of injuries as well as admistration of first aid.

The program will run for 9 hours will also feature concussion of playing football and classroom training .

The one day coaching event is billed for the JC Stadium Papalanto- Shagamu, Ogun State on July 27,2019 from 8am to 9pm.

For enquiries about participation interested grassroots coach can call 08027602428,09059883585

2019 NWFL PREVIEW : All you need to know

Nigerian Women soccer fans are eagerly awaiting the start of the 2019 Nigeria Women Premier League season after a long summer break. The new season begins on Wednesday, the 24th of July 2019 with eight matches across all centres on match day one. 

*WHICH CLUBS MAY SPRING SURPRISES*?

Bayelsa Queens may once again be starting the new season as top title contender. However, the league is more evenly balanced than it has ever been.

With the grouping shared into four, there is every possibility that we would have more than two new clubs at the 2019 Super 4 away from the big guns like Nasarawa Amazon's, Bayelsa Queens, Rivers Angels, Delta Queens and Sunshine Queens. 

For the first time Edo Queens, Ibom Angels, Adamawa Queens and Confluence Queens all have opportunities to qualify for the most prestigious play offs in the country. 

*EXIT OF ANAM IMO, RASHEEDAT AJIBADE, PEACE EFIH, CHRISTY UCHEIBE, CHARITY RUEBEN*

The focus with clearly be on the big teams and the calibre of players they posses. Star studded Bayelsa Queens, Rivers Angels and Nasarawa Amazons have all it takes to start well in the league. However with the exit of Anam Imo, Rasheedat Ajibade, Peace Efih, Christy Ucheibe and others to top European clubs, the focus now will clearly be on some younger players to establish themselves this season.

Maryann Ezeanagu, Anjor Mary, Christopher Precious, Rafiat Sule, Vivian Ikechukwu, Joy Omewa, Emem Essien, Yemisi Samuel, Esther Oyenezedie and many others all have a lot to prove in the 2019 NWPL season. 

*WHAT SHOULD WE LOOK OUT FOR*?

Rivers Angels were not safisfied with their performance in the league last season. The AITEO Cup was all that came of their hoped-for a double win. More is expected from them now and they have recruited well this season hoping for the league to kick off. 

Their closest competitor in group A, Delta Queens has hired a new manager, George Emenetie who is ambitious and wants to play at the Super 4. 

Adamawa Queens and Edo Queens look good to go in group B, 

while Group C remains the toughest group with Bayelsa Queens, Sunshine Queens and Nasarawa Amazons all jostling for just a spot for the Super 4. 

While Group D might be among these three clubs Confluence Queens, Ibom Angels and Abia Angels. 

2019 NNL Play offs: Akwa starlets dims Shooting Stars of Ibadan to qualify for their maiden NPFL season as Warri wolves,Adamawa utd and Jigawa Golden stars also make a return

Akwa starlet have gained promotion to the NPFL for the first time in history.  

They achieved this historic feat after they defeated shooting stars of Ibadan  by three goals to nil at the Stephen keshi International stadium, Asaba yesterday in one of the matches of the Nigeria National League promotion play offs.

Warri wolves also make a return three years after they were relegated from the elite football league of Nigeria football.

Warri wolves played goalless with dynamite FC and prevailed 5 -3 on penalties to book their place in the league.

Jigawa Golden stars also make a return after 7 years of Absence in the League. The team edged NAF FC by three goals to two. The Jigawa based team last played in 2012 in the league .

Adamawa United gained promotion at the expense of FRSC FC, Adamawa utd beat the Road Safety boys by two goals to one to book their slot in the NPFL after over a decade of attempts to play in the elite league since there demotion to the lower league in the year 2007

The 20 teams that would be plying their trade in 2019/2020 NPFL Season are Enyimba International
Kano Pillars, Enugu Rangers,Akwa United, Lobi Stars FC ifeanyi Ubah, Rivers United Kastina United,Nasarawa United
Sunshine Stars,Abia Warriors
Heartland Fc,Delta Force
Plateau United,Wikki Tourist
MFM FC,Akwa Starlet, Adamawa United, Jigawa Golden FC and 
Warri Wolves.

The NPFL run an abridged league last season to align with the new CAF calendar of August to May as it is being run in Europe.

The date for the 2019/2020 NPFL kick off is yet to be announced but its expected to start before the turn of the year. 

Former Super Eagles player,Mutiu Adepoju predicts great future for HIFL stars

Former Super Eagles Player and La Liga Ambassador, Mutiu Adepoju said a bright footballing career awaits the stars of the Higher Institution Football League, HIFL sportspedalng.blogspots.com can report.

He made this assertion in Ibadan,When he was answering questions from journalists after watching the games.

The mercurial midfielder, nicknamed the headmaster is confident that in no distant time some of the stars discover will represent Nigeria at international competitions. 

He  disclosed that the HiFL will help to revive the passion around school football and School sports in Nigeria, and expressed confidence that in no distant time some of the lads who perform excellently might get called up to play for the national team.

"No more competitions in schools,right from primary schools and secondary schools during our time then we used to have lots of competition.

we grew with that and we were developed that way but this time arround its be lagging i believe that with HiFL coming there will be more school competitions,there will be more interest from the  students to play football and to do sports not only football with that i believe as time goes on we can have good players in the national team." 

The HIFL started in 2018 and has been a ground for burden talents to expose their talents for scouting for bigger things.

The current striker of Kano pillars ,Emeka Ebuka was the highest goal scorer of the HIFL in 2018 and his goals have helped Kano pillars qualified for 2019/2020  Confederation of Africa Football Champions League ,CAFCLafter winning the silver medal of the 2019 NPFL championship playoffs as well as qualify the Kano b ased team for the finals of the Federation of Cup .

Many other players have secured professional contracts with NPFL and NNL teams as well semi professional sides across the country.

HiFL® is organised by PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing in partnership with the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA). 

The league is proudly sponsored by Stanbic IBTC, Premier Cool and Indomie Nigeria.

 The top 32 Universities from NUGA-member institutions will play over a period of 21 weeks, with the final four billed for the Agege Stadium, Lagos.

HIFL week 4 wrap: UI Pioneers beats LASU blazers 2-0 to join Others In Round of 16

UI Pioneers,the University

of Ibadan Football team have secured their placed in the Round of  16 at the on going 2019 HIFL,higher institution football league, after defeating LASU blazers by two goals to nil on Thursday at the University sports complex.

With a win to book their place in the knockout stage, the pioneers quickly settled into the match against an already qualified, LASU blazers, and secured victory with goals from Oladieji Abdumalik and Alabi Salam  University of Ibadan.

The pioneers celebrating their victory

With this Victory Pioneers emerged as group B runners up, with five points, having recorded two consecutive draws against Lead City University Gladiators and Afe Babalola University ABUAD Stars earlier in the series.

LASU Blazers emerged as group winners after garnering six points from three games, the lads from Lagos State University defeated their counterparts, LCU Gladiators and ABUAD Stars by two goals to one  and three goals to one respectively While the match between Lead City Gladiators and Afe Babalola University ,ABUAD stars, ended in three goals to one in favour of the Gladiators but it turned out to be a mere formality as both teams failed in their to make it from the Ibadan centre.

In ABUJA, UNILORIN Warriors, emerged group F leaders following their outstanding finish as part of the super four teams in the 2018 edition of the league. 

They are joined by FUTMINNA Transformers who gathered a maximum six points after a convincing three one win against PLASU Boulders, and an impressive five goals to one trashing of Nile Rovers, the highest goal margin so far in the 2019 edition.

Meanwhile PLASU Boulders lost to Nile Rovers  of Abuja by two goals to one on Thursday in the group's last match but it wasn't enough to propel the Abuja team to the next round.

HiFL® is organised by PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing in partnership with the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA). 

The league is proudly sponsored by Stanbic IBTC, Premier Cool and Indomie Nigeria. 

The top 32 Universities from NUGA-member institutions will play over a period of 21 weeks, with the final four billed for the Agege Stadium, Lagos.

Rohr urges focus, total commitment ahead semi final clash

 

Even before knowing the identity of their AFCON 2019 semi final opponent, Super Eagles’ technical adviser Gernot Rohr on Thursday morning charged his wards to be focused and fully committed to the task at hand as they countenance another tough session on Sunday night at the Cairo International Stadium.

 

“The next match in a championship is always the toughest, so it is always important to approach it that way. That is why we must now forget what we achieved against South Africa in our quarter final match and start to build up towards the semi final.

 

“There is no time to rest on our oars. We must make all the sacrifices we can now to achieve our objectives at this tournament. We must stay focused and be fully committed.”

 

The three –time champions were back at the Aerosport pitch inside the Cairo Airport on Thursday morning to begin training for Sunday’s encounter, which would be against the winner of the Algeria/Cote d’Ivoire fixture.

 

Also on Thursday morning, the management of the Le Meridien Cairo Airport hotel presented a big cake to the Super Eagles for the 2-1 win over South Africa on Wednesday that has taken Nigeria into the last four of Africa’s biggest and most prestigious football championship.

 

The hotel manager, Atef Wilson, on behalf of the management presented the cake to Coach Gernot Rohr and forward Odion Ighalo, who received on behalf of the team.

 

Victory over South Africa took Franco –German Gernot Rohr’s record with Nigeria to 20 wins in 34 matches, of which he has drawn five and lost nine.

 

2019 AFCON: Dangote,Otedola to reward Super Eagles with $75k for each goals henceforth

 

The day after their exquisite and efficient performance against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa (conquerors of seven –time champions and host nation Egypt) that saw them reach the semi finals of AFCON 2019, the Super Eagles received pledges of more dollar rain from two of Africa’s richest businessmen.

 

On a visit to the team’s Le Meridien Cairo Airport hotel on Thursday morning, during which he urged the players to even redouble their efforts in order to cross the semi final stage on Sunday, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick put a call through to the two well -known philanthropists and tasked them to commit to supporting the team.

 

While Dangote made a pledge of $50,000 to the team for every goal in their remaining two matches at the championship, Otedola pledged the sum of $25,000 for every goal.

 

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who holds Nigeria’s second highest national honour (GCON) is the President of Dangote Group and is ranked as the richest person of African descent in the world. The Dangote Group has interests in various commodities in Nigeria and other African countries.

 

Oil baron Femi Otedola has recently been involved in a number of commendable interventions for ailing former Nigerian international players, including 1980 AFCON winning team –captain Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu and goalkeeper Peter Fregene.

 

Super Eagles beat Bafana Bafana as Ekong Troost Late Winner secure semi final birth for Nigeria at AFCON 2019

 

Nigeria soared into the semi finals of the 32^nd Africa Cup of Nations finals after an unlikely William Ekong winner two minutes to full time at the Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday night.

 

Bongani Zungu scored in the 70^th minute as the ball hit the back of Super Eagles’ forward and tournament top scorer Odion Ighalo from a free kick, to cancel out a Samuel Chukwueze strike in the 26^th minute that had kept Nigeria on top all evening. But Ekong popped up at the far post to slam the ball into an empty net as goalkeeper Ronnie Williams and his entire defence missed the ball from substitute Moses Simon’s corner.

 

No doubt, the game lived up to its billing as a confrontation between two fierce rivals, with both teams sizing each other up in the early minutes and being very cautious in their approach. But Nigeria were quicker off the blocks, with Ahmed Musa guilty of a poor pull out and midfielder Wilfred Ndidi watching his shot sail narrowly over the bar in the 5^th minute.

 

As the game wore on, Samuel Chukwueze tried to stamp his authority on the right wing, combining beautifully with defender Chidozie Awaziem. In the 26^th minute, Alex Iwobi sold a dummy and cantered to the right side of the Bafana Bafana defence, before a sharp cut-back for Chukwueze, whose first shot was blocked. But the young forward followed up and snatched the rebound, and then slotted past Williams for Nigeria’s first goal.

 

The atmosphere was electric at the Cairo International Stadium, with the near 20,000 fans all rooting for the Super Eagles. But Musa, on a counter attack, failed to make it count with a poor cross, and then Chukwueze himself concocted a poor finish from Ahmed Musa’s pass with 10 minutes left before interval.

 

In the second half, Oghenekaro Etebo rocked Williams’ crossbar from a 25 –yard free kick, and Musa and Chukwueze had their hands on their heads from missed opportunities, before South Africa equalized somewhat fortuitously in the 70^th minute.

 

The ball hit the back of forward Odion Ighalo from Percy Tau’s free kick as Nigeria massed to defend, and flew to Zungu, who directed his header to the far corner and beyond a flat footed goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi.

 

Yet, Nigeria would make hay late, with Ekong’s winner, and now the Super Eagles await the winner of the tie between Algeria and Cote d’Ivoire in the semi finals at the Cairo International Stadium.

 

In the first semi final, Senegal’s Lions of Teranga (1-0 winners of Benin Republic in the first quarter final match on Wednesday) will take on the winner of the Madagascar/Tunisia match.

2019 HIFL: LASU Blazers,FUTMINNA through to of Round 16 as the Ibadan derby ends in deadlock

LASU Blazers have secured their place in the round of 16  after thrashing Afe Babalola University football team,ABUAD stars by three goals - One to take up their point haul to 6 points which is enough to guarantee the team a second round berth at the Ibadan centre as 

UI Pioneers and Lead City Gladiators settled for a goalless draw in the second  match of the day in Ibadan.

The thrilling encounter saw the Pioneers dominated the opening minutes of the game with all the  possessions of ball but the Gladiators defense was formidable to thwart all the attack thrown at it by the Pioneers.

Elsewhere at the Abuja centre, FUTMINNA Transformers beat defeated PLASU Boulders, plateau state  University Football team by two goals to one to book their place in the Round of 16 having trounce Nile Rovers earlier in the round to secure unassailable 6 points to top the group.

Meanwhile the battle for qualification continues today  the teams involved are in a win or break situations. 

UI pioneers will need to beat  LASU blazers to make it to the next round irrespective of the outcome of the match between Lead City Gladiators and ABUAD stars

While at the Abuja Centre PLASU Boulders will need to avoid defeat against the host,the Nile Rovers.

NFF sets up Member Associations Adhoc Committee

The Nigeria Football Federation has in line with its Statutes set up a Member Associations Adhoc Committee, saddled with the responsibility of maintaining excellent relationship with its 44 affiliate bodies.

 

Acting President of the NFF, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, made this known to thenff.com on Wednesday, while underscoring the importance of having such a body in order to constantly and firmly keep the affiliate bodies on the same page with the supreme –governing body for the game in the country.

                                                           

Akinwunmi also disclosed that the membership is composed of the current zonal coordinators, with himself as chairman, while Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Chidi Ofo Okenwa, Yusuf Ahmed Fresh, Emmanuel Ibah and Babagana Kalli are members.

                             

NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, will serve as secretary of the committee.

                                             

All the Football Associations in the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory are members/affiliates of the Nigeria Football Association, alongside the Nigeria Referees Association, Nigeria Football Coaches Association, Players’ Union (National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers) and the Leagues (Nigeria Professional Football League, Nigeria National League, Nigeria Women Football League and the Nigeria Nationwide League One).

 

…announces composition of NFF Foundation

 

The Nigeria Football Federation also on Wednesday set up the NFF Foundation, which would be saddled with the responsibility of targeting and raising funds for noble programs and legacy projects.

 

The Foundation is headed by Mr. Mohammed Edewor, with Mallam Danladi Bako, the Kogunan Sakkwato and former Director General of the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission, as the vice chairman.

 

There are also His Excellency Silas Agara, the immediate past deputy governor of Nasarawa State who had earlier served as Commissioner for Youth and Sports in the same State, as well as Hon. Goni Bukar Lawan, Chairman of the House of Rep’ Committee on Youth and Sports Development in the eighth session of the National Assembly; football –passionate businessman Yemi Idowu; former Nigeria international player and President of the National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers, Tijani Babangida and; foremost sports journalist and editor of Saturday Vanguard newspaper, Mr. Onochie Anibeze.

 

The committee will appoint its secretary.

 

Essentially, the Foundation will raise funds for empowerment initiatives for ex-international players by way of training and skill development; football community and social change programs; grassroots development programs and; football-for-the-girl-child and women football empowerment programs.

 

Acting President of the NFF, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi will serve as Adviser/NFF Liaison to the Foundation, which will adopt and adapt the governance structure of the (English) FA Foundation, with appropriate modifications to comply with the laws of Nigeria and take care of the local situation and environment.

Rangers Hires 'Surugede' as Caretaker Coach

 

Management of Coal city ‘Flying Antelopes’, Rangers International F.C ably led by Prince Davidson Owumi, has engaged the services of former senior international and club’ defense Trojan, Benedict Ugwu as care-taker head coach pending when a substantive technical adviser is hired.

In an exclusive chat, Prince Owumi said that Ugwu has been saddled with the task of taking care of the technical department of the team especially as the players retained return to begin pre-season activities following the expiration of the contract of former gaffer, Olugbenga Ogunbote.

“There is no room for any vacuum and Ugwu has shown through his actions and technical contributions that he has what it takes to lead our team on a care-taker basis. As a senior national team player, Benedict distinguished himself. As a player of Rangers, he was full of the ‘Never Say Die’ spirit. Even when he took his game oversea, he was a great ambassador of club and country. When he came back, he showed some great stuff with the feeder team. Naturally, it is the belief of management that he has what it takes to guide us before a substantive technical adviser come around,” said the G.M of Rangers.

Benedict Ugwu came to the lime light with the famous Benue Cement Company F.C of Gboko where he shorn like a million star to help the Gboko side to a national challenge cup and CAF cup winners cup in 1990 the same year he won the best player award in the country and third best play on the continent.

Ugwu, who spent a dedicated ten years service to the ‘Flying Antelopes’ in his playing days, was a strong member of the team that won the national challenge cup for the Enugu side in 1983 and 1984 before taking his skills to such clubs as El-Kanemi Warriors and 3SC where he also excelled before venturing overseas.

‘Surugede’, as Coach Benedict Ugwu is fondly called is a N.I.S, Lagos and CAF coaching license holder.

Goals Galore as the HIFL returns to the Pitch with Week 4 games

Action resumes at the on going 2019 HiFL ,Higher Institution Football League after last week break. 

The break was necessary to pave way for the 'Coaching the coach ' program where the coaches of the participating teams were taught on new tactical and technical aspects of the game .

Andy Smith, the technical director Man city football school led the team of experts in the two day event which was held I  lagos last week.

 The coaches no doubt were eager to apply what they learn and the week 4 matches live up to Expectations as FUTMINNA transformers put five goals past Nile Rovers of Abuja.

The new entrant from Abuja can only reply with one  goal. The match took place at the Nile Phoenix stadium Abuja.

 DVC Administration, Prof. Kayode Adebowale presenting the Man of the Match award to UI Pioneers Defender, Oyesina Emmanuel after the Higher Institutions Football league match between UI Pioneers and ABUAD Stars in Ibadan….

At the Ibadan  centre,LASU Blazers blew off resistance from the Lead City Gladiators as the lagos University team came from a goal deficit to beat their opponent by two goals to one.

In the Opening match at the Ibadan centre, the UI Pioneers failed to take maximum points at stake despite playing in front of their crowd at the University of Ibadan sports company,Afe Babalola University ABUAD stars share the spoils with the boys from UI.

Action continues in both centres tommorrow ,

The league is organised by Pace Sports and Entertainment Marketing in partnership with the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA). The top 32 Universities from NUGA-member institutions will play over a period of 21 weeks, with the final four billed for the Agege Stadium, Lagos. 

The league is proudly sponsored by Stanbic IBTC, Premier cool

AFCON 2019: Nigeria edge Cameroon 3-2 to reach quarter finals . Eagles versus Bafana Bafana on Wednesday

                                                                                          

Nigeria ejected Cup holders Cameroon out of the 32^nd Africa Cup of Nations after a brace by Odion Ighalo spearheaded a spirited fightback at the Alexandria Stadium on Saturday.

 

The Round of 16 clash was not given much of a rating after Nigeria suffered a nightmarish 2-0 defeat by lowly Madagascar in their final group match on Saturday and Cameroon failed to defeat Benin Republic and ended up in second place in their pool.

 

Yet, the rivalry between both neighbouring countries made for a cagey start, with the Super Eagles, who sliced the Indomitable Lions to tiny bits in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying race, showing more urgency and purpose at the fore.

 

Moses Simon had dithered unexpectedly as Cameroon slipped in defence before Odion Ighalo, top scorer in the qualifying race with seven goals, put Nigeria ahead after connecting from a pass by Kenneth Omeruo in a melee that ensued following Oghenekaro Etebo’s free kick from the left. This was in the 19^th minute. The ball deflected off a Cameroonian defender past goalkeeper Andre Onana.

 

Three minutes later, Simon fired a shot that was held by Onana, and at the other end, Stephane Bahoken, Clinton Njie and Choupo-Moting harassed the Nigeria defence as Kenneth Omeruo, William Ekong and goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi showed frail nerves.

 

The Cup holders equalized in the 41^st minute when Bahoken lashed home from a pull out as the Nigeria defence ball –watched, and then shot into the lead three minutes later when Njie shook off the feeble challenge of Ola Aina and shot past Akpeyi.

 

Six minutes after the restart, Nigeria nearly conceded an own goal as Omeruo and Ekong faltered at the rear. On the hour, Nigeria introduced former junior international Samuel Chukwueze, and this brought some verve, zeal and energy into the Super Eagles’ attack.

 

Three minutes later, Chukwueze’s brilliant run ended with defender Chidozie Awaziem’s cross, which Ahmed Musa cleverly chested for the better –placed Ighalo to fire home his and Nigeria’s second of the evening.

 

With AFCON legends Nwankwo Kanu and Samuel Eto’o (who played against each other in the 2000 and 2004 finals, with honours even) seated in the VIP box, both teams chased a tie-breaker but it was Nigeria that got it in the 66^th minute. They profited from their ascendancy with a clinical strike by Alex Iwobi from a smart pass by Ighalo.

 

AIthough they were hardly spectacular on the night, with most moves rather lumberous and ponderous, Ighalo’s man-of-the-match performance egged on the Super Eagles and eventually landed them in the quarter finals, in which they confront South Africa’s Bafana Bafana at the Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday.

 

1996 champions South Africa shocked host nation Egypt 1-0 at the Cairo International Stadium on Saturday evening, setting up another clash with familiar foes Nigeria, whom they defeated 2-0 in Uyo but had to force to a 1-1 draw in Johannesburg in the qualifying series for this championship.

 

Saturday’s feat was the sixth time that Nigeria would eliminate a defending champion from the Africa Cup of Nations. In 1976, a young squad captained by Christian Chukwu mauled then Cup holders Zaire (now DR Congo) 4-2 in Ethiopia, and in 1984, Nigeria edged Cup holders Ghana 2-1 in Cote d’Ivoire.

 

In 1994, on the way to winning a second title, the Super Eagles sent packing Cup holders Cote d’Ivoire after penalties in the semi final, and in 2004, bundled out Cameroon (winners in Mali in 2002) 2-1 in a quarter final match in Monastir, Tunisia.

 

Two years later, incidentally in Egypt, the Super Eagles ejected Cup holders Tunisia after penalties in an interesting quarter final match in Port Said.

 

NFF partners AITEO, Nigeria’s leading energy solution company, will reward the team with the sum of $75,000, after promising the sum of $25,000 for one goal before the match against Cameroon.